1972 Dime Value (Errors List, “D” , “S” & No Mint Mint Mark Worth)

Most collectors walk past 1972 dimes without a second glance. That’s understandable. The Philadelphia and Denver mints produced over 700 million pieces that year, making them abundant in circulation today.

However, understanding 1972 Dime value helps you spot opportunities. Worn examples carry no collector premium, but condition creates dramatic price differences. A regular 1972 dime in MS condition reaches around $9.17, while specially struck Full Bands examples showing complete torch details command $113.83 in top grades.

Let’s explore what determines these values and how to identify valuable specimens.

 

1972 Dime Value By Variety

Not all 1972 dimes were created equal. The mint facility, striking quality, and special designations significantly affect what your coin is worth. If you know the grade of your coin, you can find the exact price below in the Value Guides section.

Also Read: Roosevelt Dime Value (1946-Present)

 

Top 10 Most Valuable 1972 Dime Worth Money

The 1972-S PR70DCAM commands $8,400, establishing an unprecedented premium within the 1972 dime series. The rarity stems from limited proof production at San Francisco and the technical difficulty of maintaining perfect surfaces through the minting and storage process.

The second and third positions both originate from San Francisco, with the 1972-S PR67CAM valued at $2,160 and the 1972-S PR65CAM at $1,495. These cameo-designated proofs demonstrate how two-point grade differences translate to $665 price gaps at upper levels.

The collection’s lower tier presents a dramatic contrast, with the 1972-D MS66 at $69 and the 1972-S PR68 at $44 occupying the final positions. Despite the San Francisco proof pedigree, the PR68 trades below the Denver business strike due to abundant survival rates in proof sets that remained sealed for decades.

This distribution pattern confirms that mint designation alone cannot sustain premiums without corresponding grade excellence in the Roosevelt dime market.

 

History of The 1972 Dime

By 1972, the Roosevelt dime design had completed its 25-year statutory minimum service life. The coin honored Franklin D. Roosevelt, the four-term president who led America through crisis.

Roosevelt died in April 1945, and the dime replaced the Mercury design in 1946. It was released on January 30, 1946, which would have been his 64th birthday. The ten-cent piece recognized his connection to the March of Dimes campaign.

In 1946, the United States emerged from World War II economically stronger than any other nation. However, the transition brought high inflation, labor strikes, and social tensions. Despite challenges, Americans were eager to spend after years of wartime rationing. The new dime entered circulation during this period of both optimism and uncertainty.

The 1972 dimes were clad composition, having transitioned from silver in 1965. Most silver dimes from 1946-1964 had vanished from circulation by then.

As U.S. troops withdrew from Vietnam and peace negotiations advanced, America faced new uncertainties. The Roosevelt dime’s unchanged design connected two distinct eras: post-war hope and Vietnam-era disillusionment.

Also Read: Top 100 Most Valuable Roosevelt Dimes Worth Money List

 

Is You 1972 Dime Rare?

Wondering if your 1972 dime is rare? While most 1972 Roosevelt dimes are common circulation coins, certain varieties with mint errors, doubled dies, or Full Bands designation can be valuable. Download our CoinValueChecker App to instantly identify your coin’s rarity.

 

Key Features of The 1972 Dime

The 1972 Roosevelt dime displays the same design introduced in 1946. Chief Engraver John R. Sinnock created the design honoring President Franklin D. Roosevelt.

The coin features distinctive elements on both sides. The design remains essentially unaltered since its original creation.

The Obverse Of The 1972 Dime

A left-facing profile of Roosevelt occupies most of the obverse space. The word LIBERTY appears in front of Roosevelt’s face. The inscription IN GOD WE TRUST in smaller letters is positioned below the chin.

The date 1972 is located beneath the neck truncation. Sinnock’s initials, JS, are found by the cutoff of the bust. The mint mark appears at the back of the head between the date and neck truncation.

The Reverse Of The 1972 Dime

A flaming torch stands in the center, flanked by an olive branch to the left. An oak branch appears to the right of the torch. The torch represents liberty, while the olive sprig symbolizes peace. The oak branch symbolizes strength and independence.

The inscription E PLURIBUS UNUM forms a horizontal line through the base. The words UNITED STATES OF AMERICA and ONE DIME encircle the reverse. The two phrases are separated by centered dots.

Other Features Of The 1972 Dime

The 1972 dime has a clad composition of 91.67% copper and 8.33% nickel. The inner core is solid copper with an outer copper-nickel layer. The metal structure consists of 75% copper and 25% nickel over pure copper center.

The coin weighs 2.27 grams with a diameter of 17.91 millimeters. Its thickness measures 1.35 millimeters. The edge features 115 reeds. The edge of the 1972 Roosevelt dime is reeded.

Also Read: Top 100 Rarest Dimes Worth Money (Most Expensive)

 

1972 Dime Mintage & Survival Data

The 1972 Roosevelt dime was struck at three facilities with dramatically different mintage levels. Philadelphia led with 431,540,000 pieces bearing no mint mark, and Denver followed with 330,290,000 coins marked “D.”

In contrast, the San Francisco Mint produced only 3,260,996 proof specimens, creating a stark divide between circulation strikes and collector-oriented pieces.

Survival data tells an incomplete story across the series. Records for circulation strikes from Philadelphia and Denver remain undocumented, as do figures for standard proofs and Cameo variants from San Francisco.

Only Deep Cameo proofs provide concrete numbers, with 1,385,923 pieces surviving—a 42.5% survival rate. This relatively high percentage reflects the careful preservation typical of proof coins purchased specifically for collecting purposes.

Also Read: Top 70+ Most Valuable Mercury Dimes Worth Money (Chart By Year)

 

The Easy Way to Know Your 1972 Dime Value

Determining your 1972 dime’s value starts with checking the mint mark location behind Roosevelt’s head. Next, assess the coin’s condition through grading, as higher grades indicate better preservation and greater desirability.

Look for Full Bands designation—complete separation on the torch bands signals superior strike quality. Finally, examine for mint errors like doubled dies or off-center strikes that significantly increase value.

Skip the guesswork—download our CoinValueChecker App to instantly identify your coin’s mint mark, grade, and current market value with just a photo.

 

1972 Dime Value Guides

Here are main types of 1972 Dime:

• 1972 No Mint Mark Dime: Most common circulation strike from Philadelphia Mint.
• 1972-D Dime: Denver production with superior strike quality and eye appeal.
• 1972-S Proof Dime: Collector-only strikes with polished dies and mirror surfaces.
• 1972-S CAM Dime: Cameo proofs featuring frosted designs contrasting with mirror fields.
• 1972-S DCAM Dime: Deep Cameo specimens with deeply frosted devices and exceptional contrast.

The 1972 Roosevelt dime series comprises five distinct varieties, each with unique characteristics. Philadelphia and Denver produced regular circulation strikes, while San Francisco focused on collector-oriented proof coins.

Among the San Francisco proofs, collectors distinguish between standard proofs, Cameo (CAM), and Deep Cameo (DCAM) varieties based on contrast quality. Deep Cameo specimens exhibit the strongest and most desirable contrast. Understanding these varieties helps you identify which dimes deserve closer attention.

 

1972 No Mint Mark Dime Value

The 1972 Philadelphia dime reflects a period of worn dies and rushed production. By that year, the master tools had deteriorated, leaving coins with soft details—most evident in Roosevelt’s hair, the “W” in the motto, and the torch bands on the reverse, which often appeared weak and indistinct.

This production flaw created an unexpected challenge for collectors. Well-struck examples with fully separated torch bands are notably scarce. Although millions were minted, only a tiny fraction show the sharp horizontal lines that define the Full Bands designation. One major grading service awarded this designation to under 3% of submissions, while another reported just 6%.

The value difference underscores this rarity. Circulated coins remain near face value, but sharply struck examples can bring seventy to several hundred dollars. At the top end, only seven coins have been certified in MS66 FB grade, with just two known finer.

All known auction appearances of the 1972 Philadelphia dime are listed below.

The following chart illustrates the coin’s market activity and collector interest over the past year.

 

1972-D Dime Value

Denver’s 1972 output stood apart from Philadelphia’s—not in volume, but in craftsmanship. Coins with the small “D” mintmark typically show sharper strikes and better eye appeal, a trend consistent through the early clad era. Collectors seeking well-defined torch bands found their chances much higher with Denver issues.

Uncirculated pieces usually grade MS65–MS66, priced around $7–24. At higher levels, standard MS67 coins without Full Bands trade for about $30–50. Adding complete torch bands changes everything—a single MS67 FB example brought $950 in a July 2018 auction, highlighting the premium placed on strike quality.

Grading statistics reinforce this advantage. Roughly one in eight Denver dimes earned the Full Bands designation from one service, while another recognized more than one in four.

This relative accessibility makes the Denver issue especially appealing for those assembling high-quality sets without venturing into the realm of true rarities.

Below is a summary of this coin’s historical auction results for reference.

The next chart shows its market trends and activity over the past twelve months.

 

1972-S Proof Dime Value

San Francisco’s 1972 dimes were made exclusively for collectors, struck with carefully polished dies and blanks to produce frosted design elements against mirror-like fields. This meticulous double-striking set them apart from Philadelphia and Denver issues, which were mass-produced for circulation.

Presentation was important—each coin came sealed in a black plastic insert within clear protective cases, all housed in distinctive blue sleeves. Most surviving examples grade PR66–PR68, with PR69 pieces somewhat scarcer but still affordable.

Entry-level coins start around $2, while higher-grade specimens rarely exceed $20. Sets retaining original government packaging often carry modest premiums, appealing to collectors who value condition and presentation.

Their consistent quality and wide availability make these San Francisco proofs ideal for multi-year sets, offering sharp detail even for beginner collectors.

Building on their consistent quality and collector appeal, the table below outlines all known auction appearances of the 1972-S dime.

Following that, the chart illustrates how these coins have performed in the market over the past year.

 

1972-S CAM Dime Value

The 1972-S CAM dime represents a key transitional moment in proof coin production. Prior to 1971, only the first few strikes from fresh dies showed the distinctive frosted-on-mirror cameo effect. By 1971, the San Francisco Mint had begun using sandblasting to produce more consistent cameos, though the technique wasn’t perfected until 1973, making 1972 proofs especially interesting.

To earn the cameo designation, coins must show light to moderate frosting on all design elements against deeply reflective fields on both sides. These pieces provide an attractive option for collectors seeking visual appeal without extreme rarity.

High-grade examples command attention—a PR67CA coin sold for $2,160 at Heritage Auctions on January 3, 2018, highlighting the demand for well-struck specimens from this early cameo period.

Highlighting their appeal to collectors, the table below lists all recorded auction results for the 1972-S CAM dime.

The chart that follows tracks its market activity and popularity over the past year.

 

1972-S DCAM Dime Value

The 1972-S proof dime in Deep Cameo presents authentication challenges familiar to collectors of early 1970s proofs. Unscrupulous sellers sometimes attempt artificially enhancing contrast through chemical treatments or polishing techniques, creating what appears to be stronger cameo effects.

Genuine Deep Cameo surfaces reveal their authenticity through consistent frosting across all design elements, showing no suspicious brightness variations or irregular texture patterns. Professional grading services reject coins with altered surfaces, making third-party certification essential for purchases above modest sums.

Certified examples command sustained attention in today’s market. Registry set competitors actively pursue PR70 specimens, reflected in the $8,400 2018 auction record, highlighting the scarcity of pre-1975 Deep Cameo proofs compared with later issues.

Lower-grade examples maintain accessibility while perfect coins balance visual appeal with affordability, serving both as collection anchors and potential appreciation vehicles.

Historical auction activity highlights collector demand and price trends for this specific issue.

Observing current market trends helps gauge collector attention and liquidity for the 1972‑S Deep Cameo.

Also Read: 16 Rare Dime Errors List with Pictures (By Year)

 

Rare 1972 Dime Error List

Error coins transform ordinary dimes into collectible treasures. Manufacturing mishaps during the minting process create unique specimens that attract numismatists worldwide, with values far exceeding face value.

1. Off-Center Strike Errors

Off-center strikes occur when the die fails to strike a properly positioned planchet, creating asymmetrical coins with partial designs. These errors happen when planchets are not correctly positioned between dies during striking.

The severity determines value—minor shifts might show 5-10% displacement, while dramatic examples display 50% or more off-center images with visible blank planchet areas. Depending on error severity, 1972 dime values can reach $70 or higher.

Collectors particularly prize specimens where the date remains visible alongside the off-center design, as this combination proves authenticity and maintains historical identification. The visual impact of these misaligned strikes makes them instantly recognizable, even to novice collectors examining pocket change.

2. Clipped Planchet Errors

Clipped planchets result when coin blanks are punched from metal sheets with improper spacing or when sheets shift during the blanking process.

Three distinct clip types exist: curved clips from overlapping previous punch holes, straight clips from edge overlaps, and ragged clips from defective strip areas. The missing metal segment creates a distinctive crescent or straight-edge void along the coin’s perimeter. Curved clips often exhibit the Blakesley Effect—a flattened rim area opposite the clip where metal couldn’t flow properly during striking.

Well-preserved clipped 1972 dimes can exceed $50 in value. Authentication requires examining whether the clip shows the proper metal flow characteristics and original planchet edge, distinguishing genuine mint errors from post-production damage. Large clips covering 25% or more of the coin command premium prices due to their visual drama and relative scarcity.

3. Wrong Planchet Errors

Wrong planchet errors represent the pinnacle of minting accidents. These occur when planchets intended for one denomination accidentally enter presses equipped with dies for another denomination.

The resulting coin weighs exactly what the incorrect blank denomination would have weighed, providing definitive authentication. For 1972 dimes, this could mean Roosevelt designs struck on cent planchets (creating undersized dimes) or on quarter planchets (producing oversized specimens).

The weight discrepancy immediately signals the error—a dime on a cent planchet weighs approximately 3.1 grams versus the standard 2.27 grams. These errors are extremely rare because modern quality control systems effectively prevent planchet mixing. When discovered, wrong planchet 1972 dimes can command prices reaching hundreds or even thousands of dollars, depending on the planchet type and preservation quality.

 

Where To Sell Your 1972 Dime?

Choosing the right selling venue maximizes your coin’s value. Online marketplaces like eBay offer broad exposure but require detailed photography and descriptions. Local coin dealers provide immediate payment and expert authentication, though prices may run lower than retail. Auction houses suit high-grade rarities and significant errors, while coin shows connect you directly with serious collectors.

Check out now: Best Places To Sell Coins Online (Pros & Cons)

 

1972 Dime Market Trend

*Market Trend Chart showing the number of people paying attention to this coin.

 

FAQ About 1972 Dime

1. What makes a 1972 dime valuable?

A coin’s value depends on grading, mint marks, and possible errors. Normal circulated 1972 dimes are worth face value, but error coins can be extremely valuable.

Sharply struck coins with Full Bands designation showing complete torch band details can reach $30 or more, while excellent-graded proof pieces range from $10-$25.

2. Why is the 1972 dime strike quality often poor?

By 1972, the master dies employed to strike dimes had worn down considerably. The Philadelphia Mint was not known for producing particularly high-quality coins in the 1970s compared to Denver Mint output.

Typical 1972 dimes feature weakness in the “W” of the motto, Roosevelt’s hair detail, and softness on the torch bands.

3. Are 1972 dimes still in circulation today?

Yes, 1972 dimes continue to circulate in change even 50 years after striking. Copper-nickel clad coins have a longer service life than the softer 90% silver coins they replaced.

The plentiful mintage means this issue will likely not disappear from circulation for several decades unless major coinage reform occurs.